The actor best known for his portrayal as the iconic Tony Soprano has passed away.

According to his managers Mark Armstrong and Nancy Sanders, Gandolfini was found by a family member while vacationing in Italy. He died of an apparent heart attack.

"It is with immense sorrow that we report our client James Gandolfini passed away today while on holiday in Rome, Italy," Armstrong and Sanders said. "Our hearts are shattered and we will miss him deeply. He and his family were part of our family for many years and we are all grieving."

Gandolfini has starred in numerous features including such films as 'Where the Wild Things Are,' 'The Taking of Pelham 123,' 'Killing Them Softly,' and 'True Romance,' but he will mostly be remembered for his unforgettable role on TV's 'The Sopranos' that landed him six Best Actor Emmy nominations (winning three).

HBO also adds, "We're all in shock and feeling immeasurable sadness at the loss of a beloved member of our family. He was special man, a great talent, but more importantly a gentle and loving person who treated everyone no matter their title or position with equal respect. He touched so many of us over the years with his humor, his warmth and his humility. Our hearts go out to his wife and children during this terrible time. He will be deeply missed by all of us."

Gandolfini is survived by his wife Deborah Lin, son Michael, and daughter Liliana. He was 51.

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